10 Summer Activities for $10 or Less

Having fun doesn't have to break the bank.

Watch a Ball Game

Courtesy of the Pawtucket Red Sox’s Facebook

Beginning in spring and ending in fall, America’s favorite pastime also happens to line up with our favorite season. While away a summer night at McCoy Stadium watching Rhode Island’s only AAA team bat it out.

Bottom Line: General admission tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for children and seniors.

Details: 1 Columbus Ave., Pawtucket, 401-724-7300.

Spend a Night Bowling

Courtesy of Lang’s Bowlarama’s Facebook

Even though it’s all inside, there’s something distinctly summery about bowling. Maybe it’s the memories of childhood birthday parties at the bowling alley, or the kitschy, fun decor — who know? But, if you’re feeling nostalgic, Lang’s Bowlarama has some great ambiance and daily deals.

Learn About Early American History

Courtesy of John Brown House’s Facebook

Although students might not be attending school during the summer, that’s no excuse for them to take a break from their education. Lifelong learners young and old can visit the John Brown House Museum to see what life was like for the eighteenth-century aristocracy. Admire the splendor of this historic home and learn about one of the state’s most influential families.

Catch a Movie at the East Providence 10

The blockbuster is a summer icon, but increasingly expensive movie tickets are putting a strain movie-goers’ budgets. The East Providence 10 offers tickets at a fraction of the price of other theaters, although the movies are sometimes on the older side.

Bottom Line: Tickets are $2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and $3 all other days.

Visit the Museum of Natural History

Courtesy of Museum of Natural History’s Facebook

Possibly one of the most undervalued museums in the state, the Museum of Natural History is tucked away in bucolic Roger Williams Park. With exhibits on everything from urban wildlife to the history of collecting, visitors with a variety of interests are sure to find something fascinating, and amateur stargazers will love the planetarium.

Bottom Line: Adults $3 (includes planetarium); children four years and younger are free.

Watch a Show at the Met

Courtesy of the Met’s Facebook

Concert tickets are notorious for being expensive, but the Met hosts various shows by lesser-known artists that are regularly $10 or less. The club presents everything from alternative rock to jazz, and has a full service bar adorned with quirky art and decor.

Learn More About Our Industrial History

Courtesy of the Museum of Work and Culture’s Facebook

Rhode Island used to a thriving hub of industrial manufacturing, and although we have shifted away from churning out massive quantities of textiles and jewelry, manufacturing has had a undeniable impact on our state’s culture. With nine immersive exhibits, visitors can experience for themselves the harsh conditions workers endured.

Set a New High Score at Spring Lake Arcade

Courtesy of Spring Lake Arcade’s Facebook

In the age of the flashy video arcade, few people remember the penny arcade of yore. But in a far flung corner of Burrillville, the tradition is alive and well. Try a variety of pinball games, skee-ball, candy cranes and more. Take a dip in the adjacent Spring Lake or sun yourself on the beach if you get tired of gaming.

Paddle Your Own Swan Boat

Courtesy of Roger Williams Park’s Facebook

Every summer the waters of Roger Williams Park are filled with swan boats, an occasional pirate ship and happy children and adults. After your ride, check out the nearby carousel or, for the internationally minded, the Japanese Gardens.

Get Artistic at the RISD Museum

Courtesy of the RISD Museum’s Facebook.

Our state is graced with one of the finest art museums on the East Coast. And on Sundays and the third Thursday of the month, it is free and open to the public. Explore the works of contemporary artists like Warhol or Rothko, or get a blast from the past with artifacts from ancient Egypt and Rome.

Bottom Line: Free on third Thursday of the month, from 5-9 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.